Laparoscopic microwave thermotherapy on small renal tumors: experimental studies using implanted VX-2 tumors in rabbits.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effectiveness of microwave thermotherapy on implanted renal VX-2 tumors.

METHODS

Fifteen rabbits with implanted renal VX-2 tumors were divided into three groups according to the type of therapy: nephrectomy, laparoscopic microwave thermotherapy, and no treatment. Both the anticancer effect and safety were compared among these groups.

RESULTS

The survival rate in the laparoscopic microwave thermotherapy group was significantly higher than that in the no-treatment group, and was the same as that in the nephrectomy group. The serum creatinine level did not increase after microwave therapy.

CONCLUSION

Laparoscopic microwave thermotherapy may be useful for a nephron-salvaging treatment in small implanted renal VX-2 tumors in rabbits.